Health guides > Hypertension > Does Caffeine Raise Blood Pressure

...

Does Caffeine Raise Blood Pressure?

By Terez Malka, MD

Medically reviewed

October 5, 2022

Millions of people can’t start their day without a good cup of coffee, and it’s no surprise. The caffeine in coffee gives you an extra bounce in their step, and starting your day with a ritual that you’re used to can help you get in the swing of things. But are there any drawbacks to your favorite morning pick-me-up?

While caffeine has its benefits, there are also some concerns about its link to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Many people have wondered whether caffeine can raise blood pressure or worsen hypertension. This guide will answer all your questions.

Does Caffeine Affect Blood Pressure?

Caffeine causes a temporary increase in blood pressure because of its brief vasoconstrictive effect. This means that when caffeine is consumed, blood vessels become constricted (narrowed), and blood pressure increases for a period of time.

Caffeine also raises blood pressure by triggering your adrenal glands to secrete adrenaline. Adrenaline causes your heart to beat faster and your blood vessels to narrow, which leads to an increase in blood pressure.

Most people experience a spike in their blood pressure within 30 minutes to an hour of consuming caffeinated beverages.The change in blood pressure is temporary and will usually return to normal after 3-4 hours.

Have high blood pressure? Manage your condition with a medical provider using K Health.

Get started

Caffeine and hypertension

Although caffeine causes a temporary increase in blood pressure, studies have shown that moderate caffeine intake is safe for people with hypertension and that regularly consuming coffee and other caffeinated beverages does not put non-hypertensive people at risk for hypertension.

Research shows that consuming 2-4 cups of coffee (200-300mg of caffeine) produces a mean increase of 8.1mmHg in systolic blood pressure and 5.7mmHg in diastolic blood pressure.

The changes in blood pressure are temporary, and everything returns to normal in 3-4 hours. Still, if you have a history of hypertension or irregular heartbeats, it is wise to watch your overall caffeine intake.

How long does caffeine raise my blood pressure?

Caffeine kicks in quickly and can have an impact on blood pressure almost right away. Within 30 minutes to an hour, you could notice changes in your blood pressure after ingesting caffeine. Usually, normal blood pressure levels will return after a few hours of not having caffeine.

Curious if caffeinated beverages are affecting your blood pressure levels? Check your blood pressure before you drink caffeine to get a base number and then check it again 30-90 minutes later.Having a blood pressure number increase by even 5-10 points can indicate that caffeine has an impact on your blood pressure levels. However, blood pressure only causes health issues when it remains consistently high over many weeks, so a temporary minor increase in blood pressure will typically not cause any health risks if your blood pressure is generally normal.

When to stop using caffeine

If you experience any of these symptoms, it might be time to skip your morning coffee—and you might want to skip your midday cup, as well:

Anxiety
Difficulty sleeping
Shakiness or muscle tremors
Diarrhea GERD or acid reflux
Palpitations or a racing heart

It’s best to minimize or avoid coffee, energy drinks, and other caffeinated beverages if you’re pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or taking some medications that might interact with caffeine (including certain antibiotics, antidepressants, or asthma medications).

Caffeine has also been linked to increased levels of anxiety, so if you have anxiety, reduce your intake of coffee and other caffeinated beverages.

We recommend slowly weaning yourself off caffeine — with the guidance of a doctor or health care provider — especially if you have a habit of caffeine consumptionLong-time coffee drinkers may experience withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and irritability if they stop caffeine consumption abruptly.

How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?

Adults who drink caffeine should aim not to exceed 400 mg. This would amount to approximately four cups of coffee, which is generally plenty for the average adult. Having slightly more than this shouldn’t cause any problems, but drinking an excess of 1,200 mg of caffeine can result in severe side effects including seizures.

Alternatives to Caffeine

If you find yourself unable to function without caffeine, you might be dependent on it.Thankfully, you can still get an energy boost or a gentle wake-up from using caffeine alternatives.

Here are some alternatives you can try:

Chicory root “coffee”: While it won’t give you an energy boost, chicory root coffee tastes similar to regular coffee and it can be the distraction you need from caffeine. It also improves bowel movement and may delay the onset of diabetes, though larger studies are needed to confirm this.
Maca: This plant is thought to enhance mental focus. You can add a few scoops of maca to your smoothies.
Ginseng tea: Not only does ginseng replenish your energy, it also may sharpen your mind and keep you alert, making it a great alternative to caffeine. However, ginseng can cause side effects and exacerbate chronic health conditions, so speak with your health care provider before use.
Peppermint tea: This refreshing tea can boost your energy in the morning, getting you all set to face your day .
Golden milk: This Indian beverage is made from turmeric and non-dairy milk combined with aromatic spices like cinnamon and ginger. A warm soothing cup of golden milk not only tastes great, but also may help to reduce inflammation and upset stomach.

Have high blood pressure? Manage your condition with a medical provider using K Health.

Get started

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Caffeine overdose is rare, but if you feel like you’ve had too much caffeine, here are some symptoms to look out for:

Confusion
Irregular heartbeat
Vomiting
Shakiness
Panic attack

Talk to your doctor or health care providers if you experience any of these symptoms after taking caffeine.

How K Health Can Help

Did you know you can get affordable virtual primary care with K Health?

Check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed, text with a healthcare provider in minutes.

K Health’s AI-powered app is based on 20 years of clinical data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will caffeine raise your blood pressure?

Caffeine raises your blood pressure for about 3-4 hours, after which it should normalize.

When is blood pressure highest during the day?

Blood pressure normally starts to peak around noon and goes down before evening.

What other drinks should be avoided if I have high blood pressure?

Avoid alcohol and soft drinks with a lot of sugar if you have high blood pressure.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

Terez Malka, MD

Dr. Terez Malka is a board-certified pediatrician and emergency medicine physician.

12 Foods That Lower Blood Pressure

Learning that you have high blood pressure (hypertension) can come as a shock since the condition typically has no symptoms. The good news is that some lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications such as heart attack, stroke, and dementia. One of the key lifestyle factors? What you eat. […]

13 Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, affects nearly 50% of the U.S. adult population. It’s often referred to as the “silent killer,” because many people with high blood pressure don’t experience symptoms and, when left untreated, it can pose a serious risk to health. High blood pressure refers to the amount of resistance to blood […]

All You Need to Know About Blood Pressure Medications

Nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure or hypertension. When it’s not controlled, this condition can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss, memory problems, and premature death. To help combat hypertension, your doctor may prescribe healthy lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise recommendations.They also may […]

High Blood Pressure Diet: Food Plan and Recommendations

Like many other medical conditions, high blood pressure and diet go hand in hand. Not only does an unhealthy diet increase your risk of high blood pressure; eating the right foods (and limiting others) can decrease your chances of developing hypertension and the associated health risks. Depending on how advanced your high blood pressure is, […]

Are Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors Accurate?

If you’ve been to the doctor’s office, you’ve probably had your blood pressure taken. For some people, such as those with high blood pressure (hypertension) or pregnant women at risk for high blood pressure, a clinician may recommend monitoring blood pressure at home between office visits. Keeping tabs on your blood pressure can motivate you […]

Basics on Blood Pressure Readings

Every time you see the doctor, they check your blood pressure. But you may have no idea what the numbers they rattle off mean or when you should be concerned. Understanding your blood pressure readings is a proactive and important way to look after your health. High blood pressure (hypertension) damages the arteries, increasing the […]

Best Supplements That Can Lower Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a common health problem affecting nearly half of all adults in the United States. Healthcare providers are constantly looking for new ways to help their patients manage high blood pressure. One way is by recommending a range of supplements found to be beneficial in lowering blood pressure. In this article, we’ll be […]

Can Dehydration Cause High Blood Pressure?

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids and electrolytes than you’re taking in. You can become dehydrated if you’re not drinking enough water or if you’re sweating, urinating, or otherwise losing more fluids than you’re consuming. It can be very dangerous, especially if you remain dehydrated for a long period of time. Being dehydrated […]